Transforming Tomorrow's Leaders: The Obama Foundation Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program at Columbia transforms rising leaders into impactful changemakers through tools, mentorship, and hands-on experience
What does it take to solve our world's most pressing challenges? It takes leaders who can bridge the gap between bold ideas and tangible change. That's why Columbia World Projects has partnered with the Obama Foundation to create a unique fellowship that transforms rising leaders into global changemakers.
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program offers a fully-funded, nine-month residency that equips exceptional leaders with the tools, networks, and perspectives needed to accelerate their impact. These emerging visionaries - drawn from both the United States and around the world - have already demonstrated their commitment to tackling critical challenges in their communities. At Columbia, they take their work to the next level.
A Program Built for Real-World Impact
Our curriculum cuts through traditional academic boundaries to deliver what today's change agents truly need:
- Global Challenges Seminar: Scholars dive deep into the forces reshaping our world - from rising inequality and technological disruption to climate change and shifting power dynamics. This weekly dialogue transforms complex global trends into actionable insights.
- Leadership in Action: Through intensive workshops, Scholars master essential skills that amplify their effectiveness: compelling public speaking, data-driven decision-making, conflict resolution, and resilient leadership.
- Direct Engagement with Change: Scholars don't just study at Columbia World Projects - they become part of our mission to translate research into real-world solutions. They work alongside our teams tackling pressing global challenges.
- Customized Learning: Each Scholar can enroll in up to two graduate-level courses per semester, tailoring their academic experience to their specific change-making goals.
- Access to Global Leaders: Our "Thought Leadership" series connects Scholars with pioneering practitioners from NGOs, government, and international organizations who are redefining what's possible in social impact.
Where Theory Meets Practice
At Columbia World Projects, transformative change happens because bold thinking meets practical action. Each Scholar partners with a Columbia faculty adviser whose expertise directly informs their work. These partnerships spark new insights and approaches that Scholars can immediately apply to their initiatives.
"The need for innovative, determined leaders has never been greater," says Wafaa El-Sadr, Executive Vice President of Columbia Global. "These Scholars represent the kind of thinkers and doers who are essential for navigating and addressing complex issues by bringing fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place."
Beyond the Program: A Lifetime of Impact
The Obama Foundation Scholars Program isn't just about nine months of learning - it's about catalyzing decades of change. Upon completing the program, Scholars return to their communities equipped with new tools, perspectives, and a powerful global network. They remain connected to both the Obama Foundation and Columbia World Projects, joining a growing community of leaders driving positive change worldwide.
Are you ready to join the next generation of global changemakers? Apply now for the 2025/2026 Obama Foundation Scholars Program.
Still Curious? Continue Reading.
Apply to be a 2025/2026 Obama Scholar here.
